What imaging studies can be done before performing percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?
Diagnostic imaging is very crucial to vertebral fracture evaluation. plain film x-ray which can help determine which vertebrae is fractured and where to inject the cement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred as it confirms the presence of acute or sub-acute vertebral fracture, can assess the morphology of the fracture and exclude the presence of any underlying disease which may lead to spinal canal stenosis or infection such as osteomyelitis. MRI is also used to identify cord compressions and retro pulsed bone fragments. Patients who are unable to have an MRI, Computed tomography (CT) can be used to demonstrate the presence of vertebral fracture which will help exclude the presence of any lytic or blastic bone disorders such as osteoporosis or Paget’s disease.